Spokane, Wash. – Residents across eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle have several days to prepare as hot, dry weather combines with gusty winds to create an elevated wildfire threat through Tuesday before conditions are expected to become critical on Saturday. Officials are urging people to avoid activities that could spark a fire as vegetation remains extremely dry across the Inland Northwest.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, breezy south to southwest winds with gusts between 20 and 30 mph will continue through Tuesday while relative humidity drops to 20% to 25% each afternoon. Winds are expected to shift west-southwest Tuesday afternoon and evening, keeping fire conditions elevated across much of the region. Any new wildfire could spread quickly under these conditions.
The concern increases Saturday as a dry cold front moves through the area. Forecasts call for sustained west to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusts reaching 25 to 45 mph, and humidity falling to 15% to 20%. The National Weather Service warns that new and existing fires could spread rapidly and become difficult to contain.
Temperatures will steadily climb during the week, with many communities reaching their hottest readings Friday before remaining warm into Saturday. Highs are expected to reach 97 degrees in Lewiston, 96 in Chelan, 95 in Bonners Ferry, 94 in Omak, 93 in Wenatchee, 91 in Spokane, 91 in Coeur d’Alene, and upper 80s elsewhere across northeast Washington.
Residents should avoid using fireworks, starting campfires, dragging trailer chains, driving or parking on dry grass, target shooting in grassy areas, and outdoor equipment that could create sparks. Now is also the time to review evacuation plans, prepare a go-bag, and monitor local wildfire information as conditions evolve. Additional fire weather highlights or watches could be issued later this week if confidence in Saturday’s critical conditions continues to increase.
Five-Day Forecast for Spokane, Washington
- Monday: Low 58°, High 85° – Dry.
- Tuesday: Low 59°, High 85° – Dry and breezy.
- Wednesday: Low 57°, High 85° – Warm and dry.
- Thursday: Low 57°, High 89° – Hot with dry conditions.
- Friday: Low 59°, High 91° – Hot, dry and elevated fire danger.
